Tool for the job would be an entry level DSLR.
If you dont know what you really want/ned/can use, they are designed as a learning tool, ad they pack as much usefulness as many will EVER use.I started with cameras that took film; my entry level DSLR is like every camera, every accessory and every roll of film in the shop, in one, whilst even the fairly 'mild' kit 18-55 lens, is likewise, all the lenses I was likely to want or be able to afford to buy for a camera that took film. As a beginner, if there is anything that could be 'better' it is very very unlikely to be the camera.
Compacts, are, wll compact, and the better ones can be fantastc, and in many cases as good as a DSLR, but those will tend to be as expensive as an etry level DSLR, too.
Compact System Cameras, again, are compact, and can be fantastic, and as good or better than a DSLR, but are generally more expensve than entry level DSLR's and have other compromises.
Bridge cameras, fall between DSLR and Compacts, for size, and tend to be a bit neither nor. Better ones again, may rival a DSLR for usefulness, but are again likely to challenge the etry level DSLR's for price.
Hence alround, the entry level DSLR's are difficult to beat, and if you dont have or yet know of any special features that would be worth lookig elswhere, go for an entry level DSLR!
And DONT blow all your budget o getting as much as you can straight off the stops.
As said, most likely limitation here and now wll be you, and even a humble starter kit with just the 18-55 lens, IS like everything n the shop twenty five years ago from film, and as likley to hinder learning as help it, giving you o many choices to perplex and putting so much onus on looking at the camera rather than through it.
So, keep it cncervatve, save your cash, buy as little as you can get away with... and GO USE IT... practice makes perfect, and that's where you will get better pictures.... not in the camera shop!